What sets jem and scouts family apart from other families in maycomb?

There are a few things to consider. Atticus is a widower bringing up two children. He has a black housekeeper, Calpurnia, who also acts as a mother figure to the children. Although Atticus is not rich, he is better off than most people in Maycomb. Atticus also instills a sense of intellects and enlightened empathy to his kids: there wasn't much enlightened empathy in Maycomb.